Widespread avoidance of dairy foods has led to concerns for the health of women in particular.
One in six adult Australians are choosing to avoid milk and dairy foods, the majority without a medical diagnosis.
A recent survey, undertaken by CSIRO and the University of Adelaide, found that the vast majority of avoiders (74%), mostly women, are seeking to relieve gastrointestinal symptoms such as cramps, bloating, or wind.
Far fewer participants cited not liking the taste, and not many said they believed it was fattening.
The study also revealed that the decision to avoid some or all dairy foods was influenced by a range of sources from outside medical practice such as the internet, media, friends, or alternative practitioners.
The CSIRO’s Bella Yantcheva, behavioural scientist on the research team, said there was potential for nutritional deficiencies or imbalances, or a risk that an underlying health condition could be going untreated.
The study revealed that around one third of the respondents avoiding dairy foods were also avoiding wheat-based foods.
